Learning to Think Creatively

The New Zealand style of learning has helped Vietnamese student Juny To Quan Quach to develop the skills she needs to succeed in her career.

Juny, 21, studied at a high school in the South Island and then gained a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Human Resources at Victoria University in Wellington.

She was granted a 12-month post-study work visa after graduating last year, and is now part of a bank’s graduate programme.

“The main difference between education in New Zealand and Viet Nam is that in New Zealand there is more room for us to have our own opinions and creativity,” she says.

"Our education in Viet Nam was very structured, so I was used to repeating information that was given to me. Here we're expected to come up with our own ideas."

“It definitely made me more ready for work. I’ve found that my thinking isn’t constrained, and I’m able to consider all possibilities. Critical thinking is a skill that’s transferrable to just about any job you might be doing.”

Juny says the support she received at her high school helped her to adapt well to the new learning environment of university.

Her experience of studying in New Zealand also boosted her personal growth, making her more confident and independent.

Juny had planned to return to Viet Nam after finishing her degree but decided the job opportunities in New Zealand would take her further.

“I am learning and improving every day,” says Juny.

“I also really like the lifestyle here, and the friendly people. I don't see myself leaving New Zealand any time soon.”

By Linley Boniface

Updated 3 months ago

Linley Boniface is a contract writer for Education New Zealand. She is based in Wellington, her favourite city in New Zealand. A former journalist, Linley spent a year in Montreal, Canada, as a secondary school student.

Tell us your story

By Linley Boniface

Updated 3 months ago

Linley Boniface is a contract writer for Education New Zealand. She is based in Wellington, her favourite city in New Zealand. A former journalist, Linley spent a year in Montreal, Canada, as a secondary school student.

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